ACOS CEO Invited to White House Reception by President Obama

NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC SURGEONS | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2015

WASHINGTON (April 21, 2015): American College of Osteopathic Surgeons Chief Executive Officer, Linda T. Ayers, MHCM, CAE was invited by President Barack H. Obama to attend a reception at the White House Rose Garden. The gathering was held to thank advocates that rallied for the passage of H.R. 2, the “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015,” which effectively repeals the flawed Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and includes a reimbursement increase of 0.5% July 2015 – December 2015 followed by annual increases of 0.5% through 2019. 

Regarding passage of this legislation, Ms. Ayers proclaimed, “After nearly twelve years of efforts by the ACOS and other medical specialty societies and individuals, we can now finally celebrate the full repeal of the SGR. We [ACOS] are proud to have been part of this solution and look forward to working with Congress to address remaining issues in the future. The College is very committed to assuring that the needs of our members are met and that patients receive the highest standard of care.”  

Other representatives of osteopathic organizations at the event included Dr. Robert Juhasz, American Osteopathic Association (AOA) President and Mr. Timothy McNichol, Deputy Executive Director of the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI). Other national specialty societies and healthcare interest groups were also present, along with many Congressional representatives including, John Boehner (R-OH), Speaker of the House and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Leader of the House. The President spoke to the attendees about how the bill provides stability to physicians, expanded health care access for children, and the importance of bipartisanship in getting the bill passed.

ACOS extends our gratitude to the members of Congress and the President for their efforts in resolving this issue and passing this important piece of legislation. 

About the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons

The American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) is the organizational home for osteopathic surgeons. Established in 1926, ACOS is committed to assuring excellence in osteopathic surgical care through education, advocacy, leadership development, and the fostering of professional and personal relationships. We provide valuable resources and education so our members are better equipped to deliver the highest quality of care to their patients.